For generations, schoolchildren in Turkey learned that ?every Turk is a soldier.? Patriotic families still often send their sons off to compulsory military service with a party and a flag-waving procession through their respective towns and villages. But this façade of pride conceals an ugly truth ? rampant bullying within the army?s ranks.

Necati Abay, a representative of Solidarity Platform with Jailed Journalists (TGDP) was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months of prison for terrorist organization membership allegations – charges that Abay claimed to be influenced by PM Erdoğan and certain media coverage against him.

Former Bar Association chairperson Aktar said that Hayri Kozakçıoğlu served as the black box of Turkey?s state of emergency year and died before he could share his knowledge with public. Kozakçıoğlu has allegedly committed suicide.